Man in office attire holding a model replica of a kidney.

What Is Renal Failure? 3 Considerations a Patient Should Make

5 Minutes Read

Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, is a serious medical condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. This loss of kidney function can result in a range of health complications, which makes it a critical condition that requires comprehensive management and careful consideration of available treatment options.

This condition can generally be categorised as acute or chronic. Acute renal failure, or acute kidney injury (AKI), happens suddenly—often due to an event such as severe dehydration, a blockage in the urinary tract, or a traumatic injury to the kidneys. With timely intervention, acute renal failure can often be reversed. On the other hand, chronic renal failure, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), develops gradually over time, often due to long-term conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

Man wincing in pain and putting his hands on kidney area.

One important treatment consideration for patients with renal failure is whether to undergo Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery. HPB liver surgery may be recommended when patients develop severe complications such as liver cirrhosis or pancreatic disease, which can exacerbate kidney problems. In addition to medical treatments, patients with renal failure must consider other factors as they proceed with their care, including coping with the emotional and psychological impact of the disease and planning for long-term management.

With these considerations in mind, this article provides a comprehensive guide for patients with renal failure, outlining the key aspects of the condition, the available treatment pathways, and the important decisions they need to make along the way.

1. Suitable Treatment Pathways

Medication and Lifestyle Changes

Upon being diagnosed with renal failure, patients are typically introduced to a treatment plan that includes both medication and lifestyle modifications. Before beginning any treatment, a kidney function test is crucial to assess the current state of the kidneys and tailor the treatment accordingly. Medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and complications, such as high blood pressure, anaemia, and bone disease.

In addition, dietary adjustments—such as reducing salt, potassium, and phosphorus intake—are crucial in managing the condition. These can also help preserve the patient’s existing kidney functions and delay the progression of CKD. It’s also commonly recommended to reduce protein intake to decrease the workload on the kidneys.

Dialysis

As chronic renal failure advances, the kidneys may lose most or all of their functional capacity, necessitating the use of dialysis to perform the filtering role of the kidneys. Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that removes waste products, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood. This treatment also has two primary types.

Haemodialysis involves circulating the patient’s blood through a machine with a special filter called a dialyser, which cleans the blood before returning it to the body. On the other hand, peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the patient's abdomen as a natural filter. A dialysis solution is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter, where it absorbs waste products and excess fluids from the blood vessels in the peritoneal cavity. The solution is then drained and replaced with fresh fluid.

In Singapore, both types of dialysis are accessible in various locations and through public and private healthcare providers. Patients should discuss the available options with their nephrologists to determine the most suitable form of dialysis for their situation.

Elderly female patient undergoing dialysis treatment.

Kidney Transplantation

For many patients with end-stage renal failure, a kidney transplant offers the most effective and long-term solution. A kidney transplant involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into the patient’s body to replace the function of the failed kidneys. While the procedure carries risks, kidney transplantation can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and life expectancy.

Alternative Interventions

While renal failure itself is irreversible, patients need to understand that other medical interventions can offer hope, particularly in complex cases involving multiple organ systems. For instance, patients who develop severe complications affecting other organs, like the liver or pancreas, might be considered for additional transplantations.

Liver transplantation may be necessary for patients with both renal failure and advanced liver disease, while pancreas transplantation may be an option for those with type 1 diabetes and kidney failure. Regardless, patients should discuss these options first with their doctors to weigh in on the most appropriate course of action.

Hands holding paper kidney replica depicting giving away kidneys for transplant.

2. Emotional and Psychological Considerations for Coping With the Diagnosis

Patients who receive a diagnosis of renal failure often describe it as an overwhelming experience. Upon hearing it, they may immediately feel fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about the future. It’s also normal to get a mix of these emotions before undergoing treatment.

What’s important is to acknowledge these emotions and seek support from family and friends, as they can lend an ear, help with daily activities, and accompany patients to medical appointments. It’s also a good idea to join a support group for kidney patients so that each member can experience a sense of community and solidarity, helping each one feel less isolated and anxious about their condition.

Patient suffering from renal failure having a counselling session with his psychiatrist.

3. Long-Term Management

Renal failure is a chronic condition that requires lifelong management, and patients must take an active role in their health care to maintain the best possible quality of life. Regular medical check-ups are essential to monitor kidney function, manage symptoms, and detect any complications early. Adherence to prescribed treatments, including medications and dialysis, is also crucial in slowing the progression of the disease and preventing further health issues.

Patients should also stay informed about their condition by keeping up with the latest research and treatment options. They may learn about critical medical advancements and new therapies that could improve their prospects even further.

Renal failure patient undergoing dialysis treatment.

There’s no denying how fearful or distressed someone may feel after receiving a renal failure diagnosis, as this is indeed a life-altering condition. All the same, with a proactive management approach, patients can still get through the aftermath and continue to live meaningful, fulfilling lives in the company of their loved ones.

The information provided through this website is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You agree that healthscreening.sg makes no representation and assumes no responsibility for the use of this information. Please consult a doctor if you have a medical concern.